Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 3
Weegar Calls 3 U.S. Stars Leaving Canadian NHL Teams Unfortunate as Tax and Cup Pull Grows
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 3

Weegar Calls 3 U.S. Stars Leaving Canadian NHL Teams Unfortunate as Tax and Cup Pull Grows

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 3

Summary

  • MacKenzie Weegar said it is "unfortunate" to see American NHL players push for exits from Canadian teams, arguing those markets' fans are deeply invested in their stars.
  • Three Team USA gold-medal contributors are central to the trend: Brady Tkachuk was traded from Ottawa to Florida, Quinn Hughes left Vancouver for Minnesota, and Connor Hellebuyck said he also sought a move.
  • Weegar, who has played for Florida, Calgary and now Utah, said U.S. clubs can offer more than some Canadian teams even if players ultimately just want to stay in the NHL.
  • Pressure in Canadian markets, lower or no state income taxes in parts of the U.S., and the current strength of American contenders are driving the trade requests and fueling frustration in Canada.

Insights

Why are American NHL stars quietly using tax loopholes to abandon Canadian teams before the 2026 CBA changes?
Will the NHL be forced to create a tax-adjusted salary cap to stop the mass exodus of elite talent moving south?